The bold but not-too-out-there bronzed colour palette of the Bayswater living room struck a chord with those tapped into the metallic furniture trend; the smoothly carved rugs, glistening chandeliers dripping in baguette-cut crystals and lustrous velvet cushions appealed to lovers of the finer details; and the quilted velvet sofas and armchairs, by everyone’s favourite luxuriously slick sartorial-cum-interior brand Fendi Casa, offered a sought-after unisex aesthetic for couples.

Set in an iconic grand mansion block overlooking Hyde Park, the four-bedroom family home required a refurbishment in January of last year which enhanced the existing building but which also offered a stylish city home. Elicyon’s bold but timeless aesthetic seemed to be a no-brainer.

Bronze Beauty

Almost like a modern-day Art Deco equivalent, the living room’s style is grounded in the appeal of powerful industrial aesthetics and architectural motifs, adding glamorous touches regularly to soften the look.

An explicit connection to its urban setting is portrayed in the bespoke artwork by respected studio Based Upon which, with its mighty dimensions, plays focal feature in between two custom-designed open display cabinets. The abstract city skyline is rendered in all manner of sheeny metallic hues, taking centre stage in the space and acting as the unspoken colour palette lodestar for the space. Cushions, and curtains – all in glistening silks and velvets – pop in the neutral space and, particularly, against the verdure of the parkland outside.

An octagonal shagreen mirror (another Art Deco nod) sits at the head of the table above a slick sideboard, dressed in gold-rimmed glassware and bar accessories from Waterford. The statement chandelier echoes the shape of the living room’s, seconding its glamour and creating synergy between the two entertaining spaces as well as symbolising that this is a dining area not to be underestimated.

Detailing luxury

As the studio’s tagline, “Tailored Environments”, suggests, there’s nothing standard about this (or any project) it lends it hand to. From the apartment’s custom joinery to bespoke cushions, the look is 100% the client’s and that is no more sincerely communicated than in the subtle details of the home which, however small, elevate the design from simply attractive to attractive, polished and then some.

A subtle shade of almond white leather adorns the door and drawer front of the home’s custom joinery; brass trim was chosen as a suitable accent for hardware and ironmongery in keeping with the home’s rich warm tones; and lacquered internal shelves prove that nothing has gone unnoticed, not even the unseen parts.

First Impressions

Bronze antiqued mirror, arranged in a faceted diamond pattern, is flanked by two basket-weave wall lights with a whimsical Lorenzo Quin sculpture (Give and Take III) featuring in the centre. A charcoal crocodile leather Fendi Casa console and mirror set face a smart tuxedo sofa in a timeless champagne. This hue and the sofa’s subtly textured silk cushions tie in the heavenly abstract artwork which hangs over arrangement. And at the far end, the decayed gold of a side table’s base contrasts beautifully with its polished stone gold top.

POPS OF COLOUR

Not scared of colour, the studio once again implements that most basic of design principles in the master bedroom in the simplest of ways – through accessories.

The room’s tonal colour palette is brought alive with pops of goldenrod yellow which enhances the glamour of its grid-like mauve silk and mirror headboard wall. Looped antiqued brass bedside table lamps throw light onto flawless high gloss cabinets and into the reflections of the mirrored panelling. An elegant corner accent chair makes use of an otherwise unused corner and a pretty nest of tables stands with its barely-there silhouettes against the diaphanous sheer drapes, maximising the light which fills the room. The look is serene and inviting – a perfect bedroom duet.

Appropriately restoring the home’s admirable original features (the parquet flooring is to die for) whilst recognising its place in the 21st century metropolis, the refurbishment of this mansion block apartment carefully balances honouring its past with a stylish design fit for the present.